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Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service
Contact the Florida Department of Health
- 850-245-4401
-
Mailing Address
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Mission
To prepare epidemiologists for public health leadership positions in Florida.
Head-quartered at the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee, Florida, the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service (FL EIS) is a unique two-year, post-graduate program of service and on-the-job training for health professionals interested in the field of epidemiology. The program was founded in 2001 for health professionals who have a degree or experience in a field related to public health. Fellows are assigned to a county health department for two years and have opportunities to respond to various public health concerns throughout the state.
- Goals and Opportunities
- The Application Process
- Current EIS Fellows
- EIS Alumni
- Florida EIS Accomplishments
Goals
- Provide experience in epidemiology and public health practice during placements with county health departments
- Assist county health departments in emergency outbreak and other field epidemiologic investigation
- Produce well trained public health epidemiologists for positions in Florida health departments
Opportunities
Each fellow is assigned to a preceptor who is a practising epidemiologist within a local health department. At the beginning of the year, the preceptor and fellow jointly develop a specific list of goals and objectives. Fellows will:
- Perform descriptive and analytic epidemiology
- Evaluate programs to determine their effectiveness
- Investigate clusters of disease
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional meetings.
- Respond to inquiries from the public, media, government officials, or other health professionals.
Are You Eligible for the FL EIS Fellowship?
Health professionals who meet one of the following qualifications below, have taken at least one course in epidemiology and one course in (bio) statistics during graduate/professional school, and have a strong interest in applied epidemiology are eligible to apply to the FL EIS Program:
- Persons with a master's in a health-related field (e.g. MPH, MSPH, or equivalent).
- Physicians (MDs, DOs) with at least one year of clinical training and public health experience.
- Doctoral-degree recipients (PhDs, DrPHs, or equivalent) in health-related fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and the social behavioral and nutritional sciences.
- Nurses, dentists, or PharmDs with an MPH or equivalent degree.
- Veterinarians with an MPH or equivalent degree or demonstrated public health experience or coursework.
U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers are eligible to apply. The FL EIS Program is unable to provide VISA sponsorship.
Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the U.S. may be used to meet the education requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the U.S.
The FL EIS program is not currently accepting applications. The next application period is expected to be in the spring of 2025
Questions about the FL EIS program, should be sent to FL_EISFellowship@flhealth.gov
Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service 2023-2025 Fellows
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Alexander Condis, MPH
Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County
Saresa Thomas Ford, MPH, CPH
Florida Department of Health in Polk County
Madison Yost, MPH
Florida Department of Health in Seminole County
Class of 2023: Jeremy Adams, Mohammad Alak, Nikki Coble, Adrian Kinkead, Taylor Kwiatkowski, Mark Pagnotto, Parnia Roghani, Richard Santiago Jr., Michelle Slawinski
Class of 2020: Alexis Bell, Emily Dougherty, Bernie Kloppenburg and Virginia Warren
Class of 2018: Nushrat Alam, Ellen Dugan, Ashley Joseph, Briana O’Sullivan and Danielle Rankin
Class of 2015: Erika Cathey, Charlie Clark, Diana Connor, Eboni Crawford, Toni Hudson and Meri Phillips
Class of 2013: Alazandria Cruze, Michelle George, Ben Klekamp, Jennifer Roth and Vincy Samuel
Class of 2011: Amber Barnes, Michael Drennon, Jessica Fung, Pamela Mann, Holly Montejano, Tara Richardson, JoAnne Tellado and Lea Wansbrough
Class of 2009: Taj Azarian, Paco Castellon, Catherine Kroll, Sericea Smith and Raquel Stephenson
Class of 2008: Karen Alelis, Leah Eisenstein, Kimberly Fraser, Rebecca Lazensky, Anita Lewis, Kateesha McConnell and Erin O'Connell
Class of 2007: Aaron Kite Powell, Nicole Basta, Sharlene Traynor, Sharlene Emmanuel and Patricia Ragan
Class of 2006: Andre Ourso, Aimee Pragle, Dawn Ginzl, Maria Bonafonte, Kelly Grainger, Rodlescia Sneed and Maria Donnelly
Class of 2005: Robyn Kay, Matthew Laider, Janet Hamilton, Jose Lojo and Kendra Johnson
Class of 2004: David Atrubin, Jerne Shapiro, Edhelene Rico, Meghan Weems, Carmela Mancini and Michael Lo
2018
Notes From the Field: Verona Integron-Encoded Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outbreak in a Long-Term Acute-Care Hospital — Orange County, Florida, 2017. MMWR 2018; 67(21), 611–612. Authors: Rankin, D., Caicedo, L., Dotson, N., Gable, P., Chu, A.
A Novice’s Guide: Social Network Analysis Using R Statnet. 2018 National Association of County and City Health Officials Toolbox. Author: Rankin, D.
University of Florida EPI Research Day: February 2018 — Characterizing Zika Client Inquiries in 2016 and 2017 at a County Health Department, Duval County, Florida. Poster presenter: Ellen Dugan
International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) 2018 Annual Conference: February 2018 — Social Network Analysis of Patient Movement Across Health Care Entities in Orange County, Florida 2016. Presenter: Danielle Rankin
Florida Epidemiology Grand Rounds: May 2018 — An Examination of Chronic and Acute Hepatitis B Cases in Young Adults (Ages 18–30) Using Data From the Hepatitis in Young Adult Project (YAP), 2012–2015. Presenter: Ashley Joseph
Florida Health Spring Geographic Information System (GIS) Showcase: June 2018 — Multi-County Study of Traumatic Brain Injury, Florida, 2011–2015: A Tale of Traumatic Brain Injury in Four Peer Counties. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
Florida Health Spring GIS Showcase: June 2018 — Utilizing 911 Response Calls for Injury Surveillance in Florida, 2011–2016: A Descriptive and Geographic Summary of Injury Events in the Pre-Hospital Environment. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Annual Conference: June 2018 — An Outbreak of VIM-producing P. aeruginosa in a Long-Term Acute-Care Hospital, Orange County, Florida, 2017. Presenter: Danielle Rankin
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2018 — Shelter Surveillance in Florida Post-Hurricane Irma. Presenters: Kendrick, K., Rankin, D., Veliz, Y., Peaslee, M., Hamilton, J.
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2018 — Multi-County Study of Traumatic Brain Injury, Florida, 2011–2015: A Tale of Traumatic Brain Injury in Four Peer Counties. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2018 — Utilizing 911 Response Calls for Injury Surveillance in Florida, 2011–2016: A Descriptive and Geographic Summary of Injury Events in the Pre-Hospital Environment. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2018 — An Examination of Chronic and Acute Hepatitis B Cases in Young Adults (Ages 18–30) Using Data From the Hepatitis in Young Adult Project (YAP), Florida, 2012–2015. Poster presenter: Ashley Joseph
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Webinar: June 2018 — Introduction to Social Network Analysis Webinar: Broad Overview and a Demonstration of a Novice’s Guide Using R Statnet. Presenter: Danielle Rankin
Florida Health Epidemiology Grand Rounds: June 2018 — A Growing, Widespread Death Toll: Suicides and Opioid Poisoning in Florida. Presenter: Ellen Dugan
Florida Epidemiology Grand Rounds: July 2018 — Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Okaloosa County, Florida. Presenter: Nushrat Alam
NACCHO Annual 2018: July — Multi-County Study of Traumatic Brain Injury, Florida, 2011–2015. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
NACCHO Annual 2018: July — Utilizing 911 Response Calls for Injury Surveillance in Florida, 2011–2016. Poster presenter: Nushrat Alam
NACCHO Annual 2018: July — Lessons Learned From Collaborations With Local Partners on a Community Assessment, Poster presenter: Briana O’Sullivan
2017
Emerald Coast District of the Florida Environmental Health Association (FEHA) Regional Training: May 2017 — Hidden Dangers of Sewage. Presenter: Nushrat Alam
Florida Department of Health Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2017 — Investigation of a Norovirus Outbreak Associated With a Large Outdoor Event, Hillsborough County, March 2017. Poster presenter: Ashley Joseph and Samantha Spoto
Florida Health Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2017 — Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze distribution of gastrointestinal illness in schools and the surrounding community. Poster presenter: Briana O’Sullivan and Ryan Burke
Florida Health Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2017 — An Intermittent Carbon Monoxide Exposure at Complex A, Orange County, Florida, November 2016--March 2017. Poster presenter: Danielle Rankin
Florida Health Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2017 — Breakout A: Collaboration During an Epidemiology Response: Lessons Learned. Presenter: BrianaO’Sullivan
Florida Health Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2017 — Utilization of a Web Survey During an Outbreak Response. Presenter: Danielle Rankin
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2017 — Containment of Novel and Targeted MDROs. Panelist presenter: Danielle Rankin
FEHA Annual Meeting: August 2017 — Preparedness Efforts in Response to Arboviral Illnesses in Florida. Presenter: Ashley Joseph
FEHA Regional Meeting: September 2017 — An Intermittent Carbon Monoxide Exposure at Complex A, Orange County, Florida, November 2016–March 2017. Presenter: Danielle Rankin
Florida Health Epidemiology Grand Rounds: December 2017 — Real-Time Assessment for Providing Information for Decision Making (RAPID). Presenter: Briana O’Sullivan
2016
Epi Update Issue 4 2016: Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) for Mosquito-Borne Illness and Influenza Season Preparedness, Pinellas County, October 2016. Authors: Joseph, A., Leapley, A., Lamb, J.
International Society for Disease Surveillance Annual Conference: December 2016 - Analysis of Daily Enhanced Syndromic Surveillance in Hillsborough County, Florida, 2015. Poster presenter: Charles Clark
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes From the Field: Large Tuberculosis Contact Investigation Involving Two Hospitals — Okaloosa County, Florida, 2014. MMWR 2016; 65(47), 1349-1350. Authors: Cathey, EF, Matthias, J, et al.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes From the Field: Pediatric Death from Meningococcal Disease in a Family of Romani Travelers — Sarasota, Florida, 2015. MMWR 2016; 65(37), 1017. Authors: Crawford, E, Drennon, M, & Winston, T.
Sustained Transmission of Pertussis in Vaccinated, 1–5-Year-Old Children in a Preschool, Florida, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases February 2016 22(2), 242-246. Authors: Matthias, J., Pritchard, P.S., Martin, S.W., Dusek, C., Cathey, E., et.al.
Epi Update Issue 1 2016: Investigation of Pesticide Poisoning Among Farmworkers, Palm Beach County. Authors: Mulay, P., Tovar-Aguilar, A., & Connor, D.
Florida Grand Rounds: March 2016 - Measles Response in St. Lucie County, April 2015. Presenter: Charles Clark
Florida Grand Rounds: February 2016 - Southwest Florida CRE Collaborative: Post-Collaborative Assessment & Data Review. Presenter: Eboni Crawford
NACCHO Annual 2016: July 2016 - Innovations in STD Client Notification. Presenter: Diana Connor
Health Professionals Division Research Day at NOVA Southeastern University: February 2016 - Private Reporting Option Through Coded Text Messages (PROTEXT). Presenter: Diana Connor
Florida Grand Rounds: January 2016 - PROTEXT: Private Reporting Option of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Laboratory Results Through Coded TEXT Messages. Presenter: Diana Connor
Florida Department of Health 2016 Statewide Epidemiology Training: June 2016 - Heroin-Related Morbidity Surveillance Using ESSENCE-FL Orange County, Florida 2010 – 2014. Presenter: Toni Hudson
CSTE Annual Conference: March 2016 - The Contribution of Local Public Health to Heroin Surveillance in Orange County, Florida. Presenters: Ben Klekamp, Toni Hudson, Sarah Matthews
2015
Epi Update Issue 3 2015: Differences in Influenza-Like Illness Data Collection and Reporting Between County Health Departments in Florida. Authors: Cathey, E., Rendon, A., May, S., McCombs, K., Rubino, H., & Chapman, K.
Epi Update Issue 3 2015: Analysis of a Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak in Two Childcare Facilities in Hillsborough County, Florida, 2014. Author: Clark, C.R.
Epi Update Issue 2 2015: Respiratory Illness Outbreak in an Assisted Living Facility, Orange County, Florida. Author: Hudson, T.
Florida Grand Rounds: August 2015 - Legionellosis Outbreak at a Nursing Home, Orange County, Florida 2014. Presenter: Toni Hudson
Global Florida 2015 Epidemiology Training: June 2015 - Emerging Infectious Diseases. Panelists: Toni Hudson, German Gonzalez, Jon Teter, & Danielle Stanek
University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute Epi Research Day Conference: February 2015 - First Confirmed Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Florida, Orange County, Florida, May 2014. Poster presenter: Toni Hudson
Epi Update Issue 3 2015: Quality Assurance Assessment of West Nile Virus Illness Reporting Gaps in Merlin Through the Examination of Cause of Death Data in Vital Statistics. Authors: Phillips, M. & Geib, K.
National Environmental Health Association Annual Education Conference and Exhibition: July 2015 - Comprehensive Review of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, 2004 – 2013. Poster presenter: Erika Cathey
Global Florida 2015 Epidemiology Training: June 2015 - Public Health Investigations - Lessons Learned From the Field. Panelists: David Chmiel, Rehme, P., Crawford, E., Nicholson, G., Harder, T., & Harter, C.
CSTE Annual Conference: June 2015 - Emergence of Locally Acquired Chikungunya in Florida. Poster presenter: Diana Connor
Florida Department of Health Statewide Epidemiology Conference: May 2015 - Delayed Mortality Among Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) Illness in Florida, 1999–2013. Poster presenter: Meri Phillips
Florida Grand Rounds: April 2015 - Delayed Mortality Among Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) Illness in Florida, 1999–2012. Presenter: Meri Phillips
University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute Epi Research Day Conference: February 2015 - Quality Assurance Assessment of West Nile Virus Illness Reporting Gaps in Merlin Through the Examination of Cause of Death Data in Vital Statistics. Poster Presenter: Meri Phillips
International Society for Disease Surveillance Annual Conference: December 2015 - Analysis of ED and UCC Visits Related to Synthetic Marijuana in ESSENCE-FL, 2010-2015. Poster presenter: Michael Wiese & Charles Clark
Healthiest Weight: A Life Course Approach, Summer 2014 Toni Hudson, MSPH
2014
Florida Grand Rounds: December 2014 - Managing Data Using Epi Info™ 7 for a Large Tuberculosis Contact Investigation. Presenter: Erika Cathey
University of Northwest Florida 7th Annual Mattie Kelly Environmental Symposium, October 2014 - Comprehensive Review of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, 2004 - 2013. Poster presenter: Erika Cathey
South Florida GIS Expo, October 2014 - Tracking the Emergence of Locally Acquired Chikungunya Fever in Palm Beach County, Florida with GIS. Presenter: Diana Connor
Measles Outbreak in an Unvaccinated Family and a Possibly Associated International Traveler-Orange County, Florida, December 2012-January 2013. MMWR. September 12, 2014 / 63(36);781-784, Slade TA, Klekamp BG, et al.
Frequency and erroneous usage of temporary medical exemptions and knowledge of immunization guidelines among some Miami-Dade County Florida providers, June 14, 2014. Cruze, A, Zhang, G, Thomas, L, Alonso, J, Sandoval
Sherin K, Klekamp B, Beal J, Martin N. What Is New in HIV Infection? American Family Physician, 2014; 89(4)
2013
Florida Grand Rounds: March 2013 - Mystery Illness on the Savanna, Presenter: Ben KleKamp, MSP
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes from the Field: Strongyloides Infection Among Patients at a Long-Term Care Facility- Florida, 2010-2012, MMWR 2013;62:844
Florida Grand Rounds: July 2013 - Shigella flexneri Associated with MSM & HIV, Presenter: Vincy Samuel, MPH
Florida Grand Rounds: September 2013 - Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumona Infection in an Acute Care Hospital, Presenter: Jennifer Roth, MPH
2012
Council for State and territorial Epidemioloigst Annual Conference, June 2012: Delayed Mortality among cases of Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus illness in Florida, 1999-2011, Michelle George, MPH.
Gastrointestinal illness among correctional facility inmates, Lake City, Florida, May 2012 FEHA article, Ben Klekamp, MSPH.
Florida Grand Rounds: October 30, 2012 - Immunization Guideline Knowledge and Practice Amont Selected Health Care Providers in Miami-Dade County. Presenters: Alazandria Cruze, MPH, CPH and Lakisha Thomas, MPH.
Notes from the Field: Tuberculosis Cluster Associated with Homelessness-Duval County, Florida, 2004-2012
Epi Update Issue September 2012: Summary of Scabies Outbreak, Seminole County, August 2011 - July 2012, Michelle George, MPH.
2011
Alert system to detect possible school-based outbreaks of influenza-like illness
Epi Update Issue November 2011: Investigation of a Cluster of Illnesses Initially Attributed to a Chemical Exposure, Seminole County, August 2011, Michelle George, MPH
Raccoon Roundworms in Pet Kinkajous --- Three States, 1999 and 2010, MMWR, March 2011
2010
Babesia in Florida: How Travel and Transfusion Facilitate Infection
PowerPoint Version - Microsoft Word Version
What Every Asian American Should Know About Chronic Hepatitis B - January 2010
Spotlight on Hepatitis Prevention Programs at the Orange County Health Department - February 2010
Hepatitis B Vaccine and Prevention of Chronic Hepatitis B - March 2010
Brucellosis in Florida, EPI Notes - February 2010
2009
2009 Epidemiology Annual Report: A Summary of Reportable Diseases in Seminole County
2008
2007 Seminole County Health Department Annual Epidemiology Morbidity Report
Florida Injury Facts: Firearms
Miami Dade County Monthly Epi Report
Acanthamoeba Keratitis -- Multiple States, 2005-2007
BioDefend™ Syndromic Surveillance System Influenza Activity Detection (Poster Presentation, ISDS Conference 2007)
Could Syndromic Surveillance Data Be Used Effectively with Other Data Sources? A Transposable Local View (Oral Presentation, ISDS Conference 2007)
Outbreak of Cutaneuous Larva Migrans at a Children's Camp - Miami, Florida 2006
Salmonellosis Trends in Miami-Dade County, 2000-2006
2006
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Pregnant Women: Miami-Dade County, 2004-2005
Analysis of Florida Toddler Pool Drowning Deaths
Community-Acquired MRSA Infection: An Update
Comparison of ICD-9 Coded Chief Complaints and Diagnoses for Identifying Gastrointestinal Syndrome Using ESSENCE
Contact Dermatitis in Daycare Facilities
Florida Influenza Surveillance
Grand Rounds on 2004-2005 Florida Hurricane Mortality
Grand Rounds Presentation on Influenza Surveillance
Melioidosis Case Investigation
"Mortality Associated with Hurricane Katrina - Florida and Alabama - August-October 2005"
Rapid Community Health and Needs Assessments Following Hurricane Wilma: Broward and Hendry Counties
Salmonella Meningitis: Possible Association with Turtle
Salmonellosis in Collier County: A Geographic Analysis of Rates
Legionella Outbreak Investigation Associated with Hotel
Leptospirosis Outbreak Among Participants of Adventure Race
2005
MRSA in a Maternity and Delivery Ward at a Volusia County Hospital
Grand Rounds Presentation on Dengue Fever Investigation
Suspect Tularemia Case from Wild Rabbit in Pinellas County
Grand Round Presentation on Pertussis Outbreak During Hurricane Response
Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Three Florida Petting Zoos
Outbreak of Hepatitis B Among Patients Receiving Chelation Therapy in Miami-Dade County
Influenza-like Illness Outbreak at a Long-term Care Facility,Volusia County, Florida, February 2005: Guidelines for Prevention and Control
Outbreak of Norovirus Gastroenteritis
Protocol for Assessing Community Excellence in Environmental Health
Norovirus Outbreak at a Miami-Dade County University
Florida Influenza Surveillance
Grand Rounds Presentation on MRSA
Home Sheltering During Hurricane Ivan: Risk Factors for Exposure to Probable Case of Meningococcal Disease
Fatal Rat Bite Fever -- Florida and Washington 2003
2004
An Outbreak of Bacillus cereus Gastroenteritis in a Stockade Facility, West Palm Beach, Florida
Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida
SARS and Avian Influenza Update
UV Exposure from Mercury Vapor Lamp
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Hurricane-Associated Use of Portable Generators --- Florida, 2004
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Morbidity and mortality from accidental falls in Collier County, Florida, 1997-2001
Grand Rounds Presentation on Drug-Resistant Salmonella
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Escambia County Jail
Multifocal Autochthonous Transmission of Malaria - Florida, 2003, MMWR. 53(19);412-413.
Grand Rounds Presentation on Hepatitis A Analysis
Chickenpox Diagnosed at Duval County Shelter
A Spatial Analysis of the Leading Causes of Childhood Morbidity in Florida
Polk County Experiences Outbreaks of Illness Associated With Exposure to Lake Water
Inspiratory stridor in female students at a high school in Tampa, Florida
2003
Influenza Investigation at Sarasota Facility Finds Vaccination Rate an Issue
White Powder Investigation at Duval County Postal Facility Yields Training Opportunity
Outbreak of Scombroid/Histamine Poisoning From Consumption of Marlin Spoils Film Crew Visit
Grand Rounds Presentation on a Review of Adverse Events Related to Smallpox Vaccinations in Florida
Locally Acquired Malaria "Probable" in Palm Beach County
Vibrio Outbreak Discovered in Duval County
Viral Meningitis Outbreak Investigated in Alachua County
Shigellosis Outbreak Hits South Florida Day Care Center
Investigation of Blood Transfusion-Associated West Nile Virus Infection
Chickenpox Outbreak in a Hillsborough County Elementary School
Hepatitis A Outbreak In An Elementary School
2002
Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Associated With Skin Abscesses
Salmonella group C2 Outbreak in a Restaurant- Gainesville, Florida
Norwalk Virus Outbreak in a Hendry County Nursing Home, April 2002
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak Associated With Injections at a Podiatry Clinic
Knowledge and Attitudes About Bioterrorism and Smallpox
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